The Mastermind Behind Candy Crush
Riccardo Zacconi , the Italian entrepreneur who co-foundedKing, is best known for creating the global mobile gaming sensation Candy Crush Saga . His path to success, however, was far from conventional.
Zacconi’s journey began in Rome, where he briefly worked as a dentist’s assistant for his father. This experience convinced him that dentistry wasn’t his calling. Seeking broader opportunities, he pursued economics at LUISS University in Rome. Later, he moved to Munich to research the theories of German economist Eugen Schmalenbach—a project he found uninspiring but pivotal, as it steered him into consulting.
He started his consulting career at L.E.K. ConsultingDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and later joined Boston Consulting Group (BCG)Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, where his adaptability and work ethic stood out. Mentors like Antonella Mei-Pochtler praised his ability to analyze situations, adapt to challenges, and collaborate effectively. After six years at BCG, Zacconi transitioned into the tech world by joining SprayDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a Swedish startup, where he met the future co-founders of King.
In 2001, Zacconi became an entrepreneur-in-residence at Benchmark Capital, where he explored online business models, including monetized dating platforms. By 2003, he rallied former colleagues from Spray to form a new company focused on competitive, skill-based gaming. The venture, which evolved into King, faced early struggles until angel investor Mel Morris provided crucial funding.
King’s turning point came with the launch of Candy Crush Saga , a game that captivated millions worldwide. At its peak, it had over 100 million daily active users . King went public in 2014, and in 2016, Activision BlizzardDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → acquired it for $5.9 billion.
Zacconi stepped down as CEO in 2019, leaving a legacy built on innovation, collaboration, and resilience. He credits his success to working alongside exceptional people, learning from failures, and always taking calculated risks.
Source: Index Ventures
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